David Gibson of Religion News Service reports, “More than 50 conservative Catholic activists and political leaders have come out in support of Republican presidential hopeful Ted Cruz in an effort to shore up Catholic backing for Cruz as an alternative to Donald Trump.” The Republican frontrunner has enjoyed backing from Catholic voters, although his brash rhetoric often contradicts Church doctrine. “The Church must not be silent as the nation chooses the leaders who will shape its future,” said Monsignor Ed Lofton, pastor at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Summerville, S.C. “I am personally working for the election of Ted Cruz, and I urge fellow Catholics to join me in giving Ted Cruz our support and our votes.”